Mr. Fiancé(162)

"Well, that is news," Dad says, a new tone creeping into his voice. Is it grudging respect? "You must have learned a lot."

"I have," Duncan says as he starts up and pulls out. He pays the machine, and we drive toward the Westin Downtown, where Mom and Dad are staying. "I learned a lot about how everyone else lives. It's given me some more appreciation of the contract that the Wildcats offered me."

"It's an impressive one, I'll say," Dad says, not sure how to broach the subject. I mean, how do you talk to a man twenty-four years your junior who just signed a contract with a multimillion-dollar signing bonus, and another ten million dollars in guaranteed money over the next four years? "It even made the news."

"Thanks. I really didn't want to haggle over it, and their first offer was good enough. And I've gotten in touch with the right financial people. Things are looking good there. Speaking of that, how's the trucking business going, Mr. Mittel?"

"Good, but the back's acting up," Dad answers with a grumble. "I really need to drop a few pounds, get a decent health program going."

"Well, if I can make a recommendation, your daughter's a miracle worker on that. I don't know about lower backs, but her work with elbows is world-class."

I blush even though I've heard it before, but Dad looks pleased. We continue to exchange small talk until we get to the hotel, and Duncan parks, all of us going inside. In the lobby, Duncan stops, taking my hand. I clear my throat, exchanging a look with him. It's time. "Uh, Mom, Dad?"

"Yes, sweetie?" Mom says, turning around. Dad, who's gone on a few steps ahead with his wheeling bag, also stops, raising an eyebrow. I think he’s expecting what's coming next, even if he might have his reservations about it.

"Before you check in, Duncan and I have something to tell you," I say. I elbow Duncan, who's actually blushing and trying not to grin as realization dawns on Mom's face. "Duncan?"

"Well, you guys know that Carrie and I have been dating for quite a few months now, and a week ago, I asked Carrie to marry me," Duncan says, reaching into his shirt pocket and taking out my ring, where we'd stashed it temporarily for safekeeping. I slip it on, while Dad comes up next to Mom, taking her hand, both of them lost with the reality of what's happening in front of them. "I'm happy to say she said yes."

"You . . . you two are engaged," Dad says, then he swallows something in his throat and sets his bag up on his wheels before coming forward, giving me a hug before offering another handshake to Duncan. "Congratulations, Duncan."

"Thank you, sir," Duncan says while Mom hugs me. "I know you've got your concerns, and with what Whitney's told me, I can't say I wouldn't have the same. I hope that you can set them aside in time for the wedding."

Dad swallows again, looking a bit lost. "I guess . . . I'm still shocked. I'm a little old-fashioned, Duncan, and I was hoping that Carrie would have approached me to talk about this, maybe even gotten my blessing before accepting your proposal."

"I understand," Duncan says. "I know it's a lot to swallow, so how about we talk about it at dinner? I've got a class this afternoon, last one of the week before I take the weekend off, and Carrie's gotten us reservations at some place called Tres Amigos. Apparently, you have a thing for Mexican food?"

Dad nods, while Mom stands there, still speechless in shock. "Okay. Cora, let's get checked in and washed up. Carrie, are you going with Duncan, or can you stay with us for the afternoon?"

"I cleared it with Coach Taylor. I'm taking the whole weekend off from interning," I say. "With basketball over, and the only big sports left being baseball and track, the load on the trainers is light for a while. Actually, I'd like to talk with you guys about that, too."

"Oh good, you're not dropping out of school!" Mom says, her first words since our announcement. "I don't know why, but that just kept running around and around in my head."

I give Duncan a kiss, and he says his farewells, going out to the car. He actually does have a class, and we thought my parents might need some time to adjust. Dad finishes check-in, and we take our key up to the suite that Duncan rented for the whole stay. It's nice, and while not a penthouse, it’s a good room. Dad sets their bag on the bed, while Mom finds the chair by the window and I arrange myself comfortably on the bed. I'm not showing yet, but I am feeling my body start to change, and it feels wonderful. I feel more complete than ever, powerful, and especially sexy when I see the desire in Duncan's eyes. "Thanks for not making a scene in the lobby, Dad. I could read it in your eyes."